Solar power’s future could soon be overshadowed
15 Feb 2021
By KIERAN COOKE | As more households and industries have opted to harness the sun’s energy, a small but definite shadow is nagging at the many manufacturers who have put their faith in solar power’s future.
Prices have fallen dramatically: according to the International Energy Agency, the cost of producing electricity from solar energy dropped 80 per cent over the past decade. But a mix of international economic rivalries and human rights issues could hamper the onward expansion of solar around the world.
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NZ hydrogen regulation to catch up with the world
Thu 18 Dec 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | The government has announced a regulatory reset for New Zealand’s emerging clean tech hydrogen sector.
Could tidal energy one day power NZ?
Thu 18 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | New research suggests Aotearoa holds some of the world’s strongest tidal-stream energy potential – enough to generate up to 93% of today’s electricity use – but one expert cautions that extracting energy at such a scale could have significant impacts and remains highly uncertain.
Hydro increases overall renewable electricity generation in September quarter
12 Dec 2025
The September quarter saw 89.4% of all electricity generated from renewable sources, with hydro, geothermal and solar leading the charge, according to new data from the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment.
Gentailers push back hard on Electricity Authority’s plan
12 Dec 2025
The four major generator-retailers have pushed back strongly against the Electricity Authority’s proposals to overhaul non-discrimination and price-consistency rules, arguing the proposed regime is built on “perceived risks” rather than evidence and could inadvertently raise retail electricity prices.
Neighbours fume over plans to axe trees for solar farm
11 Dec 2025
Diane McCarthy, Local Democracy Reporter | Whakatāne District Council has thrown its support behind residents of a country lane distressed about Genesis Energy’s plans to axe their trees.
Market rewards firming over renewables in gentailer split
3 Dec 2025
A clearer valuation divide is emerging across the gentailer sector, with the market increasingly rewarding companies positioned for flexibility and firming rather than renewable build-out.
Tribunal warns govt geothermal strategy risks Treaty breach
2 Dec 2025
By Shannon Morris-Williams | The government's geothermal development strategy risks breaching the Treaty of Waitangi, according to a report from the Waitangi Tribunal released last week.
North Canterbury solar farm consent to be considered in February
1 Dec 2025
David Hill, Local Democracy Reporter | A Hurunui District Council hearings panel will consider a consent application for solar farm near Waipara in February, while Environment Canterbury has already granted consents which were not notified.
Energy outlook shows complex picture of NZ energy transition
1 Dec 2025
Simpson Grierson’s latest Energy Outlook 2025 paints a more complicated picture of New Zealand’s energy transition than the Government’s public narrative of momentum and accelerated delivery.
‘Highly uncertain’ ETS hampers Genesis biomass plans
28 Nov 2025
By Pattrick Smellie | “Highly uncertain” New Zealand carbon prices and market settings are identified as a commercial threat by Genesis Energy to its planned use of biomass to replace coal and gas at its Huntly power station by 2028.
